The "C" Word

There’s just something about the New Year that feels like a fresh start. I mean, technically, everyday (every minute, even) can be a fresh start if we want it to be, but the New Year somehow makes it official. It’s amazing to me how counting down on December 31 at 11:59pm—10, 9, 8, 7, 6—has so much psychological power. How those last moments—5, 4, 3, 2—can spark so much unity, excitement, and celebration. And how that last second before the clock strikes midnight –1—signifies not only a new day, but a brand new year. And not only a New Year, but CHANGE. There it is…the “C” word.

If you are one of those people who claim to not like change, but you celebrated with joy the onset of the New Year, and have been pondering the things you’d like to start doing or stop doing on account of the New Year, then you might not be as fearful of change as you originally thought. This is good news, and a very pertinent piece of information to know about yourself as it will serve you as you transition into 2010. You’ll have to frequently remind yourself of this pertinent piece of information, of course, otherwise you might forget and your intentions for change will slip away only to show up on next year’s list.

Instead of just writing down my intentions, a friend of mine suggested doing a 2010 intention candle ceremony as the blue moon graced and introduced us to the New Year on December 31. I liked the idea. It was different and seemed to fit the theme of change. So, I did it. Shortly after the clock struck 12 and I had my New Year cry (Auld Lang Syne does it to me EVERY TIME…don’t know the words or what they mean, but the tears flow), I lit my candles, stated my intentions from deep within my heart, and released them to the Universe one breath at a time. I had seven intentions, Universal requests, resolutions, revolutions, transformations, things I’d like to manifest…or whatever you’d like to call them. Unlike the birthday candle wishes, I think it’s safe to share my New Year wishes with you:

(1) Clarity—about who I am, what my purpose is this year, what my role is in attracting and maintaining healthy relationships with others, and what beliefs I still hold that no longer serve me.

(2) Creativity—to assist in transforming my relationship with myself and others, my career, health, finances, and spirituality.

(3) Let go and receive—learn to let go of things that don’t serve my better good so I can receive things that do. I believe that our ability to give from a healthy place stems from our ability to receive from a healthy place.

(4) Internal knowing of my value, goodness, and grace as a contributor to this world.

(5) Courage to stand up to, challenge, and move past my fears.

(6) A stronger spiritual bond.

(7) Gentle kindness and loving care for myself and others.

I was watching the movie Evan Almighty on New Year’s Eve, and in it God (Morgan Freeman) said, “When people ask for patience do you think He just gives them patience, or does He give them opportunities to be patient?” This statement resonated with me on a very powerful day of the year, a day that marks a fresh start, a new beginning, and endless possibilities.

I’m really looking forward to the opportunities that await. How about you? What are your 2010 intentions? How do you plan to transform yourself and the world this year? What changes are important to you, and what are you going to do to assure that you make them? Set your intentions and brace yourself for the opportunities that will emerge everyday (big, small, obvious, and in disguise).

Happy New Year!

Warm Regards,
Terri